The Akashi Kaikyo Bridge (明石海峡大橋) is a stunning suspension bridge that spans the Akashi Strait in Japan, connecting the city of Kobe on the mainland of Honshu to Iwaya on Awaji Island. It is the longest suspension bridge in the world, with a length of 3,911 meters (12,831 feet), and is considered one of Japan’s most iconic landmarks.
Construction of the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge began in 1988, and it was completed in 1998, after a decade of construction and a total cost of around $3.6 billion. The bridge is an engineering marvel, designed to withstand high winds, strong currents, and earthquakes.
The bridge’s central span is suspended by two enormous towers that are 282.8 meters (928 feet) tall, making them among the tallest structures in Japan. The bridge’s deck is supported by a series of cables that are made up of thousands of individual wires, each less than 5 millimeters (0.2 inches) in diameter.
Visitors can experience the bridge’s impressive scale and engineering firsthand by taking a guided tour that includes a walk along the pedestrian walkway that runs alongside the main roadway. The tour provides visitors with stunning views of the surrounding landscape, including the Akashi Strait, the surrounding islands, and the city of Kobe.
Details
| Hours | Open 24 hours |
| Phone | +81 78-709-0084 |
| Address | 4 Higashimaikocho, Tarumi Ward, Kobe, Hyogo 655-0047 |